Continuation of the article by
Pat

The installation of crown molding cannot be made any easier than with peel and stick. Peel and stick comes in kits of plastic molding pieces which have self-adhesive backs and four outside corners. Peel and stick is available for the really low-tech, low cost way to decorate. No power tools, saws, nails or hammers are required. No mitering of corners is necessary. One person can install it in no time with no trouble.

Peel and stick, though, especially due to its low-tech and low cost, lacks relief. That is, there is no depth or thickness and it will appear flat.

Styrofoam, also called Expanded Polystyrene., has been used for many years by architects on buildings, homes and in museums. Styrofoam crown molding is light weight, durable and versatile, inexpensive, and adhesive to most kinds of paint. Other advantages and reasons for its gain in popularity are that it requires no special tools to install, and in fact can be installed in less than a day by the average homeowner. Styrofoam does not rot, crack, decay or succumb to insect damage. It can however melt or burn when exposed to flame and must be encased, as it will release toxic fumes when burning.

Another material that is finding its way into popularity is vinyl. Vinyl crown molding gives that old plaster look. While traditional plaster and wood crown molding require extensive experience, the advantage to using vinyl is its simplicity. It is low maintenance, does not blister or peel, swell or shrink when used in extreme moisture conditions, and will not rust, rot, pit or corrode and will not be attacked by insects.

Aluminum, stamped metal, crown molding featuring heavy-duty all aluminum construction is also available for use as a decorative accent. It is preformed inside and outside corners eliminate miter cuts, making installation easier. It is easy to cut, and installs like traditional moldings. It is durable and rugged. Aluminum is a tremendous bang for the buck. Use stamped metal for industry, factory, office, retail spaces, workshop, garages, kitchens, and trade shows.

Styrofoam, aluminum and vinyl moldings are primarily used for exterior decorative purposes.

Each material has its advantages and disadvantages and each homeowner must weigh these options based on their own requirements and desires. I hope this article will help to make the job a little easier. Happy decorating!

At GoCrownMolding, we offer many, many styles of crown molding, as well as other decorative ceiling accents made of polyurethane. We also offer a variety of flexible moldings when your decorative molding installations necessitate a curved or arched product. All of our products can be custom ordered from a wide collection of crown, cornice, chair rail, frieze, and panel moldings. So take a look at our catalog and do something new to beautify your home today.